Residuals versus symptoms: Differences veterans need to know for their VA disability benefits claim

Residuals versus symptoms: What are the differences between the two, and what does it mean for a veteran's VA disability benefits claim? This is a common point of confusion for many veterans, and understandably so. The world of VA disability benefits is full of many different terms and phrases, many of which seem overly similar to one another.

We'll compare the two of these in this blog and let you know what you need to keep in mind while preparing to file your claim.

Here's what veterans need to know about the differences between symptoms and residuals:

What are symptoms?

Symptoms are the direct result of diseases, injuries, or conditions – they are sometimes subjective and personal experiences that are considered a part of the illness. Since they're already wrapped into diagnostic criteria for service-connected conditions, they get rated within the condition. You cannot be rated separately for symptoms (even though it is possible to get rated for pain without a diagnosis!).

What are residuals?

Unlike symptoms, residuals are distinct conditions that develop because of an underlying illness or injury. They are NOT features of a main diagnosis, but instead they are secondary consequences that can stand on their own medically.

Since residuals represent separate disabilities that are diagnosable, they can often be rated independently, as long as they meet the VA's diagnostic criteria and can be medically linked to the primary condition. A new medical nexus is typically not needed, and sometimes residuals are already built into the VA's rating criteria.

It's also important to note: Although residuals might sound similar, they're not the same thing as secondary service-connected conditions. Secondary service-connected conditions are a completely separate disease process – they are new conditions caused or aggravated by the original condition. A new medical nexus is helpful for these, as it's not found within the rating criteria for the original condition.

Examples of residuals in VA disability benefits

To make the difference between symptoms and residuals clearer, here are a few common examples of residuals that can be claimed for VA disability benefits:

• Hyperthyroidism: With hyperthyroidism, symptoms such as fatigue and mental health complications are seen as part of the condition. Headaches, however, aren't a common symptom – and therefore can qualify as a residual.

• Diabetes: This is another common example. Diabetes is rated on typical factors such as dietary restrictions and limitations of activities, but it can also cause peripheral neuropathy, which is classed as a residual, making it eligible for another rating.

Remember to avoid pyramiding in VA disability benefits

The distinction between symptoms and residuals has to do with the VA's rules against pyramiding – the inability to compensate for the same disability more than once. We wrote a full blog about pyramiding, and what is and isn't allowed here.

The bottom line is: Residuals may be symptoms, but symptoms are not always residuals. Symptoms may be temporary with the original condition or a side effect of medication that resolves. Residuals are permanent.

Your medical history, our expertise and support

At MRPY Professional Services, we're veterans who help other veterans prove their conditions to the VA through Nexus Letters, DBQs, and other additional claim-boosting services.

If you know what you need and you're ready to start, sign up for a Medical Evidence Assessment – it's how every veteran gets started working with us.

For our full list of services, click here.